213,487 Austrians spent 5 minutes flat in the first week of the new year

According to estimates from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), many Austrians are currently struggling with cold or flu-like symptoms.

Van Eliza Aur

1 minute reading time(167 words)

A flu wave sweeps across Austria and leads to many sick leaves. In the first week of the new year, ÖGK received 213,487 reports of inability to work. Out of this, 17,852 people have been affected by Corona. While 54,258 people were confined to bed due to flu-like infections, 1,867 Austrians contracted the actual flu. Compared to the numbers for the first calendar week of 2023: Overall, fewer Austrians fell ill than last year, but the number of people infected with the corona virus rose significantly.

The number is increasing across Europe

“Influenza virus activity has increased across Europe. The numbers are also increasing in Austria. With real flu, flu-like infections and covid. Now would be the perfect time to get vaccinated. Because the real flu wave is still ahead of us. “But wearing a mask to prevent infection and further spread, It is important to wash or disinfect your hands regularly,” emphasizes the ÖGK chief physician. Andreas Kratter.